United Airlines Honored for LGBT Equality

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — They’re not called the friendly skies for nothing.

United Airlines was named one of the Top Companies for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality for 2013 by Work Life Matters magazine on Thursday night.

The annual award honors U.S. companies that develop “programs and policies that support LGBT employees and promote workplace equality,” according to a release.

“At United, we are committed to supporting the rich diversity of ideas and experiences that reflect all our customers and co-workers, and we are proud to receive this great recognition,” said Mike Bonds, the airline’s executive vice president for human resources and labor relations.

Frequent United fliers also responded to the news with enthusiasm.

“Both my husband and I are loyal United customers and Mileage Plus Gold members,” wrote Clay Williams on the United.com site. “It is important to us to do business with companies that treat their LGBT employees with dignity and respect. This award shows our loyalty to your airline is well-placed. Congratulations, United!”

Being named best in the travel category by Work Life Matters was the latest in a string of awards for exemplary service.

Earlier this year, United received the Business Leadership Award from Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy group. The airline was also named a Best Place to Work by the Human Rights Campaign for the past five years in a row.

“We are pleased to honor each of these leading firms for serving as corporate pioneers by supporting the advancement of LGBT equality within their own organizations, as well as to the community-at- large,” said Lori Sokol, founder and publisher of Work Life Matters.